Designed by Herbert J. Krapp, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre was built in 1928 and is the only surviving theatre of the many Lee and J.J. Shubert built for the purpose to stage productions starring an individual artist affiliated with them. Ethel Barrymore achieved stardom under the management of producer Charles Frohman beginning in 1901. In 1928, the Shuberts offered to build her a theatre and commission a play for her to premiere in her namesake house. The play was "The Kingdom of God" and it opened on 20th December 1928.